Redbelt (2006)

In this special crossover episode, the Movie Memory Machine smashes headfirst into the Grunt Work feed for a tag-team takedown of Redbelt (2008), the only dramatic performance in Tim Allen’s catalog that doesn't involve a dog costume or a Santa suit. Join Landon and Truman as they dive into David Mamet's mixed martial arts noir drama starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, grapple with Mamet's obsession with honor, and ask the big question: how did this become a Tim Allen movie?

Topics Covered:

• The surprise crossover between Movie Memory Machine and Grunt Work

• Plot breakdown of Redbelt (sort of)

• Chiwetel Ejiofor's excellent performance in a movie that seems allergic to explaining itself

• David Mamet’s style: clipped dialogue, elliptical storytelling, macho codes of honor

• Tim Allen as a dramatic actor: how does he hold up?

• A discussion of why this movie might have ended up forgotten

Key Takeaways:

• Redbelt is either a brilliant anti-sports movie or a baffling puzzle box of stoicism and scams.

• The movie's moral code is rigid, but the plot isn’t afraid to spiral into chaos.

• There’s not much actual fighting, but plenty of emotional jiu-jitsu.

• Tim Allen shows up, smokes a cigar, and kind of mopes around. It’s... a choice.

• You don’t have to love MMA to enjoy an elliptical drama about belts, blackmail, and betrayal.

Did Redbelt win you over, or did it tap out early? What do you think Tim Allen's "black belt" would be in? Let us know on social media using #MovieMemoryMachine or #GruntWorkPod.

Support the Show! You can support both Movie Memory Machine and Grunt Work through:

1. Becoming a Patreon supporter – As little as $1/month gets you bonus content and keeps us ad-free and artist-owned. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod

2. Leaving a positive rating and review – Wherever you listen, especially Apple Podcasts, it helps new listeners find us.

3. Liking, following, and sharing – We're @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd and @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube.

4. Telling a friend – Word of mouth is the best way to grow our community.

5. Joining our Discord – A film-loving space where you can vote on whether forgotten movies stay in modern memory. Access via https://www.moviememorymachine.com

Follow Us: 🌐 Website: www.moviememorymachine.com 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine 🎦 Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/